Our Programs
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One to One/ESL Tutoring
Free, one to one, confidential tutoring for adults (ages 18 years and over) looking to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. This program is designed to help those with no reading or writing skills, those seeking to upgrade their current skill level, and those requiring ESL support. Volunteer tutors receive 15 hours of tutor training by Read NB before being matched with a learner. Sessions are typically held in-person at the MLC office, but may also be held at the public library, church halls, other community locations, or virtually. Partners: (1) Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association Settlement Office; (2) Miramichi Supports Ukraine; (3) NBCC Student Services. |
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Conversational Circle
Geared towards ESL learners looking to improve their conversational English skills, small groups (2-4 participants) meet with a volunteer tutor 1-2 times per week for an hour of informal discussion. Topics vary depending on learner interest, but may include ongoing activities in the community, their life experiences, schooling, or work.
Partners: (1) Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association; (2) NBCC Student Services.
Geared towards ESL learners looking to improve their conversational English skills, small groups (2-4 participants) meet with a volunteer tutor 1-2 times per week for an hour of informal discussion. Topics vary depending on learner interest, but may include ongoing activities in the community, their life experiences, schooling, or work.
Partners: (1) Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association; (2) NBCC Student Services.
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Mommy Reads to Me
This program serves incarcerated mothers at the Women’s Correctional Centre of NB. Participants read aloud and record a series of children’s books each week. Their child/children receive this recording along a physical copy of the book at home. In this manner, the children are still able to receive the benefits of being read to by a parent despite incarceration, the women are able to maintain a bond with their children, and we are able to nourish a growing appreciation for the power of literacy in both. Partners: (1) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick. |
WCC/MLC Book Club
For this program, the MLC works in collaboration with the Chatham Public Library to coordinate and facilitate a biweekly book club at the WCC in Miramichi. The book club consists of one MLC tutor and four participants from the WCC. Books are selected from a wide variety of genres – including biographies, historical fiction, and classic literature – with a focus on strong female representation (either in characters, themes, or the author). Multiple reading copies are made available through the public library system. Every two weeks, book club members meet for a discussion on the current novel and refreshments.
Partners: (1) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick; (2) Chatham Public Library.
For this program, the MLC works in collaboration with the Chatham Public Library to coordinate and facilitate a biweekly book club at the WCC in Miramichi. The book club consists of one MLC tutor and four participants from the WCC. Books are selected from a wide variety of genres – including biographies, historical fiction, and classic literature – with a focus on strong female representation (either in characters, themes, or the author). Multiple reading copies are made available through the public library system. Every two weeks, book club members meet for a discussion on the current novel and refreshments.
Partners: (1) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick; (2) Chatham Public Library.
ReTelling Our Stories
The MLC has partnered with Moncton’s inaugural Anglophone Poet Laureate, Kayla Geitzler, to develop a 6-week writing course for the WCC. This course was designed specifically for incarcerated women, with consideration given to the typical life experiences and unique challenges which many of them face. The purpose of the course is to reframe writing as an easily accessible, healthy outlet in their everyday lives. Literary traditions and techniques provide a strong foundation to explore the therapeutic and mental health benefits of creative writing. This workshop is offered twice per year.
Partners: (1) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick; (2) Kayla Geitzler.
The MLC has partnered with Moncton’s inaugural Anglophone Poet Laureate, Kayla Geitzler, to develop a 6-week writing course for the WCC. This course was designed specifically for incarcerated women, with consideration given to the typical life experiences and unique challenges which many of them face. The purpose of the course is to reframe writing as an easily accessible, healthy outlet in their everyday lives. Literary traditions and techniques provide a strong foundation to explore the therapeutic and mental health benefits of creative writing. This workshop is offered twice per year.
Partners: (1) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick; (2) Kayla Geitzler.
Cooking to Learn
This program engages learners in the practical application of reading, writing and math skills via step-by-step cooking activities. MLC Food Mentors, certified by the National Food Safety Training Program, guide small groups of 4-8 participants in the preparation of nutritious meals while discussing food safety, budgeting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and more. Workshops include single events for the community at large, and weekly series over 4-6 sessions for clients of ongoing community partners.
Partners: (1) Mango/Horizon Health Network; (2) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick; (3) John Howard Society.
This program engages learners in the practical application of reading, writing and math skills via step-by-step cooking activities. MLC Food Mentors, certified by the National Food Safety Training Program, guide small groups of 4-8 participants in the preparation of nutritious meals while discussing food safety, budgeting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and more. Workshops include single events for the community at large, and weekly series over 4-6 sessions for clients of ongoing community partners.
Partners: (1) Mango/Horizon Health Network; (2) Women’s Correctional Centre of New Brunswick; (3) John Howard Society.
In the Community
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StoryWalk at Middle Island
This community literacy initiative consists of a series of 20 posts fixed along an existing nature path, each featuring 1-2 pages of a children’s book. As families stroll along the path, children and parents can read the story together while enjoying fresh air and exercise, and promoting reading as a fun and engaging activity for all. To further increase engagement, encased display boards allow a new book to be displayed every two weeks from May-September. Strong consideration is given to book selections with themes on inclusion, diversity, and healthy living, as well as indigenous and French language titles. This project was made possible by a Healthy Communities Initiatives Grant from the Government of Canada in 2021, and continues to grow in popularity each year. Partners: (1) Chatham Public Library; (2) Middle Island Irish Historical Park; (3) Miramichi City Parks & Recreation. |
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Poetry Contest for Middle School Students
In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, the MLC hosts an annual poetry contest for middle school students from April 1-30. This contest is open to all students in grades 6-8 in the Miramichi region of Anglophone School District North. Two independent volunteer judges award first, second, and third place winners, who are awarded $75, $50, and $25, respectively. Additional prizes of $20 are given to honourable mentions. In addition to the prize money, all winners receive certificates and a formal, printed copy of their poem, and first place is published in the Giv’er Magazine.
In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, the MLC hosts an annual poetry contest for middle school students from April 1-30. This contest is open to all students in grades 6-8 in the Miramichi region of Anglophone School District North. Two independent volunteer judges award first, second, and third place winners, who are awarded $75, $50, and $25, respectively. Additional prizes of $20 are given to honourable mentions. In addition to the prize money, all winners receive certificates and a formal, printed copy of their poem, and first place is published in the Giv’er Magazine.
